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From the ramp to the screen

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Model-turned-actor Pooja Chopra is not a run-of-the-mill Bollywood starlet. The clarity of thought and understanding that goes into choosing every project is reflected in the sheer variety of characters that she has played.

After essaying the role of a married woman with a child in her latest release 'Ouch'
opposite Manoj Bajpayee, Pooja will soon be seen in a comic role in 'Tom, Dick and Harry Returns'. Pooja made a name for herself in the modelling industry before entering the film industry. She was awarded the Femina Miss India title and was also a semi-finalist at the Miss World pageant in 2009. In an interview with Nina C George, she talks about her journey from a model to an actor.

Did you always want to be an actor?

Acting was never on my mind until Miss India happened. Winning the title was a dream that I had cherished for a long time. Acting was a natural transition.

If you had a choice between acting and modelling, which one would you choose?

If you are passionate about something, you cease to see it as a challenge and begin to enjoy the opportunity. I love both and can't zero in on just one.

What made you sign 'Commando'?

It was the script and my role of a bubbly Punjabi girl who isn't just there to add glamour onscreen but also lends strength to the character. It is also the strong and independent personality of the character that made me accept it.

What was the best thing about working in 'Ouch' ?

I had never played the role of a married woman. The script and the role did well to challenge me as an actor and help stretch my abilities to the fullest.
Also working on a project that has Manoj sir and one that is written and directed by Neeraj Pandey was a bonus.

On acting with Manoj...

I developed cold feet as soon as I heard that I was acting opposite Manoj Bajpayee. I've
always admired his body of work and I know that it is not easy to work with him, not because he is tough but because he is a thorough professional. Matching up to his talent would be challenging. But he turned out to be an extremely encouraging costar.

Any new projects in the pipeline?


I play the love interest of Sharman Joshi in 'Tom Dick Harry Returns'. The story traces the lives of three people — who are visual, hearing and speech impaired. At the outset, the title might seem like a sex comedy but it has nothing vulgar in it. Being from a conservative family, I wouldn't choose any project that doesn't
appeal to me.

One thing you like about yourself...


The ability to remain level-headed and positive in times of adversity.

What gives you the strength to tide over negativity?

Negativity? What's that?

Your biggest regret...

I missed giving my best shot during the Miss World 2009 pageant since I fractured my leg at the last minute and couldn't complete the competition.Model-turned-actor Pooja Chopra is not a run-of-the-mill Bollywood starlet. The clarity of thought and understanding that goes into choosing every project is reflected in the sheer variety of characters that she has played.

After essaying the role of a married woman with a child in her latest release 'Ouch’
opposite Manoj Bajpayee, Pooja will soon be seen in a comic role in 'Tom, Dick and Harry Returns’. Pooja made a name for herself in the modelling industry before entering the film industry. She was awarded the Femina Miss India title and was also a semi-finalist at the Miss World pageant in 2009. In an interview with Nina C George, she talks about her journey from a model to an actor.

Did you always want to be an actor?

Acting was never on my mind until Miss India happened. Winning the title was a dream that I had cherished for a long time. Acting was a natural transition.

If you had a choice between acting and modelling, which one would you choose?

If you are passionate about something, you cease to see it as a challenge and begin to enjoy the opportunity. I love both and can’t zero in on just one.

What made you sign 'Commando’?

It was the script and my role of a bubbly Punjabi girl who isn’t just there to add glamour onscreen but also lends strength to the character. It is also the strong and independent personality of the character that made me accept it.

What was the best thing about working in 'Ouch’ ?

I had never played the role of a married woman. The script and the role did well to challenge me as an actor and help stretch my abilities to the fullest.
Also working on a project that has Manoj sir and one that is written and directed by Neeraj Pandey was a bonus.

On acting with Manoj...

I developed cold feet as soon as I heard that I was acting opposite Manoj Bajpayee. I’ve
always admired his body of work and I know that it is not easy to work with him, not because he is tough but because he is a thorough professional. Matching up to his talent would be challenging. But he turned out to be an extremely encouraging costar.

Any new projects in the pipeline?


I play the love interest of Sharman Joshi in 'Tom Dick Harry Returns’. The story traces the lives of three people — who are visual, hearing and speech impaired. At the outset, the title might seem like a sex comedy but it has nothing vulgar in it. Being from a conservative family, I wouldn’t choose any project that doesn’t
appeal to me.

One thing you like about yourself...


The ability to remain level-headed and positive in times of adversity.

What gives you the strength to tide over negativity?

Negativity? What’s that?

Your biggest regret...

I missed giving my best shot during the Miss World 2009 pageant since I fractured my leg at the last minute and couldn’t complete the competition.

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